I know some of you are probably thinking that a granola bar recipe doesn’t exactly scream ‘it’s Christmas’ but I wanted to include a healthier recipe with festive flavours for anyone out there not wanting to indulge. Maybe you want the Christmas flavours but don’t want mince pies and yule logs this early, or maybe you just prefer a healthier option. Either way, these festive granola bars have similar flavours to the Christmas chocolates I posted yesterday, but obviously are healthier and more nutritious. They’re nutty, oaty, orangey and chocolatey, so will hopefully give you festive vibes while still being a filling mid-morning snack.
This recipe is a combination of the chocolates I posted yesterday, and this oil free granola bars recipe I posted a million years ago. Today’s post is going to have similar ratios to the original granola bar recipe, so if you happen to stumble across this post and it’s no longer Christmas time, you might want to try that one for an all year round recipe. Not that you can’t eat orange chocolates and pecans all year…
Festive Granola Bars Recipe
This is a no bake recipe including dates and nut butter to help them stick together. I’ve made mine with pecans, cranberries and pistachios to make them as rich and festive as possible, but feel free to switch out the nuts for any of your choosing.
As they’re no bake, they don’t take much time at all to make, and don’t require much setting time, so you can eat them almost straight away. There’s also no fresh produce in this recipe, so they’ll keep for several days if you want to prep them for lunch boxes throughout the week.
This recipe is gluten free, dairy free, soy free and vegan.
Festive Granola Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- Approx. 175g pitted dates deglat noor or medjool
- 25 g dried cranberries
- 1 cup oats GF if necessary
- 150 g nuts - I used a mix of pistachios and pecans
- 2 heaped tbsp chia seeds
- ¼ cup liquid sweetener any syrup will work or honey if not vegan
- ¼ cup smooth unsalted nut butter (any of your choice)
- 50 g chopped orange dark chocolate
- 2 tsp orange extract
Instructions
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Process dates in a food processor until only a few small bits remain, it should form a dough like ball in the food processor.
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Add the dates and all dry ingredients to a mixing bowl. Stir gently to break up the date ball slightly.
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In a small saucepan on low heat, combine the nut butter, orange extract and syrup. Do not let the mixture boil.
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Once combined, add the mixture to the mixing bowl and mix until the date ball has fully broken down and mixture is sticky.
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Add mixture to a baking dish. It will come out easier if the dish is lined but that’s not essential. Flaten mixture out until it’s smooth.
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Place in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to set them.
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After that remove from freezer and cut into either 8 bars or 16 bite sized pieces.
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Store in a cool, dry place. If you're in a warmer climate, you may want to store these in the fridge to help them last longer.
Serve and enjoy!
Do you like snacking on granola bars? How do you feel about a healthier festive flavoured snack?
Until tomorrow,
Sophie
They look so delicious that I would like to try them through screen. Thank you for sharing recipe.
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These not only sound fascinating but they look beautiful! The cranberries and pistachios are so striking against the chocolate!
These look and sound absolutely amazing! I am LIVING for all these vegan recipes on your blog recently. 🙂
Soph – https://girlvsworldblog.com x
These sound absolutely amazing , I love gronola bars so these might one for me to make x
Kayleigh Zara ✨ http://www.kayleighzaraa.com
ohhh I need to make these!!!! I’m lactose intolerant and these bars sound amazing 🙂
Thanks for sharing this recipe!
xoxo Annaleid
Those sound tasty! I am dairy free so I always appreciate a vegan recipe 🙂 I hope to try these soon, especially to keep me from eating tons of Christmas treats Great post
Briana
https://justmythoughtsblogs.wordpress.com
I don’t usually have granola as lots have nuts in and I don’t like them, but I never thought about making my own without nuts! These are great they are vegan! Thank you for sharing this easy to follow recipe Sophie xxx
I love granola bars! It’s so hard to find some that are vegan and eco-friendly so I guess the best thing to do is to just make them myself, these sound so good!
Ash | https://thisdreamsalive.com
I need to try this recipe!! I’m a huge fan of granola so these are made for me!
Love the fact that they are vegan so what a great healthy and nutritional option to try!
Have a great day!
Vanessa
https://thefashionstatement.net
My husband would love this!! Will have to make him some at Christmas time :))) x
I love these, they look like a great way for a quick and easy breakfast and snack on the go. I’m sending you so much love.
With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com
I think these are still festive even if they’re not the typical holiday snack or sweet!! They look so delish honestly x
This is great! It looks so delicious. I’ll have to try it! Thank you for sharing.
These look really good, filling and healthy. I love granola in yoghurt and things but I don’t think I’ve ever tried a granola bar! x
These would make such a great breakfast! I often don’t know what to have in the mornings but having a stash of these ready to grab would be fab xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
I love breakfast and snacks bars but I’ve never thought to make my own x
These sound like a great way to start the day when you’re too busy to sit down for breakfast x